The seventh annual Neighborhood Summit 2009 on Saturday, Jan. 24, focuses on “Growing Cincinnati” and features Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory and other local government officials who are addressing the successes and challenges communities are facing today.

The summit takes place at Xavier University’s Schiff Banquet and Conference Center in the Cintas Center from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration is due by Jan. 16 at www.investinneighborhoods.com or by faxing 513-921-5620. The summit with breakfast and a provided lunch is free with advance reservation. Because space at Cintas is limited, only those registering by the deadline are assured admission.

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory opens the day at 8:15 a.m. Following his remarks, participants can attend breakout sessions that focus on housing, economy and workforce development. Each session is being offered once during the day by neighborhood leaders, community-based organizations and county, state and city council representatives.

Attendees can interact with Mayor Mallory, hear state, city and county officials explain programs and resources, learn how other neighborhoods are successfully addressing community challenges and connect with key area officials.

A pre-summit dinner on Friday, Jan. 23, from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in the Schiff Banquet and Conference Center features newly-elected State Rep. Steve Driehaus. Cost for the dinner, sponsored by the Community Building Institute, is $20 per person. Please reserve a spot at www.investinneighborhoods.com or by faxing 513-921-5620.

Driehaus is the Congressman-elect to the 111th Congress for Ohio’s 1st Congressional district which includes the west side of Cincinnati, as well as suburbs north and west of the city in Hamilton and Butler counties. Driehaus was elected a state representative in November 2000 and served four terms. He was the minority whip of the Ohio House since 2005. He was also the former director of and now serves as a senior associate to the Community Building Institute, a collaborative effort of Xavier University and United Way of Greater Cincinnati. The institute promotes citizen-led, asset-based community development. Driehaus supports community economic development initiatives, has extensive experience facilitating neighborhood planning processes and working with grassroots leaders.

The Neighborhood Summit 2009 is sponsored by Invest in Neighborhoods, Inc., the Community Building Institute, and the city’s Department of Community Development. Support comes from Xavier University and Murray & Agnes Seasongood Good Government Foundation.